Hypoallergenic Breeds, Let's talk about it

 

It is Christmas time, this can be a wonderful time where families are welcoming new pets into their home! I will always advocate for rescuing, but I do also understand wanting that Golden Retriever that you have always seen and is at the top of every review site ranking them the top family dog. Regardless of where your new family member comes from, some folks have allergies, and THAT is what this article is about, as I have seen unfortunately, too many times where folks adopt a new furbaby or purchases a "hypoallergenic" breed, only to succumb to allergies anyway and have to find a new home for their family member.  

This one may be a tough pill to swallow, and I'm not here to upset anyone, but I am going to state this right away ......... There is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog. Please don't feel attacked or throw stones at me or wait for me to head to my car to come get me after the store closes lol. This is just hard to hear in the store because its a myth and is used as a breeder selling tactic, or a misunderstanding that different breeds can carry varying levels of allergens. "But what about what my breeder said!", "Nu-uh!, look at this Facebook post!", or "This website says that these breeds are hypo-allergenic!". I hear you, and unfortunately the pet industry is not highly regulated an there is so so so much mis-information that is allowed to continue. 

Our first stop is the American Kennel Club (AKC). Even they will tell you that there is no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog. Here is an Excerpt:

"Wondering what dogs are hypoallergenic? Are there big dogs that are hypoallergenic? Small dogs that are hypoallergenic? The truth is, there are no 100% hypoallergenic dogs, dog breeds, or mixed-breeds, but there are many dog breeds that are less allergenic for people with dog allergies. Dander, which is attached to pet hair, is what causes most dog allergies in people, and these dog breeds have a non-shedding coat that produces less dander. And don't fret - you aren't alone. As much as 10% to 20% of the U.S. population is allergic to dogs, according to the National Institutes of Health"

https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/hypoallergenic-dogs/

Ok, sure Ryan, so there is no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog, but anyone can see, what they mean is that they are less allergenic. WELLLLLLLLLL, while I am happy that the AKC is helping to disseminate mostly right information, this is actually still not correct. 

Sure Mr. Know-it-all, your right and the AKC is wrong. Again, I hear you, but next we are going to visit the Children's Hospital, and after that we are going to visit the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. 

Let's start with Children's Hospital, and I am not the brightest crayon in the box, so I will post their words and the source here, as they can write and tell a story and provide information better than I ever could: 

"I’d like to set the record straight right now. No parent should every feel guilty about having a pet dog. You are all hereby absolved of any future need to state “…but it’s hypoallergenic.” Why? Because it’s a myth. Hypoallergenic dogs are a magical fantasy created by breeders and marketers to…wait for it…sell more dogs.

About two-thirds of homes in the United States have at least one pet, and most of these have dogs. In addition, 10-20% of all children and adults across the world are allergic to dogs. That means there are a LOT of people that live with the very animal that can cause them misery.

Allergy symptoms include itching of the nose and eyes, sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, cough, and rashes. Symptoms can vary in severity and become quite severe. People with dog allergy can have acute symptoms when they directly touch dogs or visit homes that have dogs. They can also have daily symptoms if they live with a dog.

Dog dander is what causes symptoms of allergy. It’s not the length, style, type, or shedding of fur. Dander comes from saliva, skin cells, and urine. Unless your dog has no mouth, no skin, or doesn’t pee, it will release dander into the air.

The myth of the hypoallergenic dog originated due to a couple of interesting aspects of dog allergy. First, there are different types of allergens, which can vary by dog. Second, many people with dog allergy may only have symptoms when exposed to some breeds, but not others. This can give the illusion that a dog is ‘hypoallergenic’. Unfortunately, the same dog that is well tolerated by one person with allergies can cause misery for another."

                                                                        -Dr. David Stukus, MD

                                                                        Allergy and Immunology

https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/700childrens/2020/11/myth-hypoallergenic-dog

Finally, to help drive the point home, we will end at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. I really would like to just copy and paste the entire article and cite it at the end, and yes, I am that lazy, but I'll summarize it and provide the site and I highly recommend reading :). The Academy says the following are myths:

1. Hypoallergenic dogs don't trigger allergy symptoms. It goes further into detail about how this is a myth, and what proteins cause allergens, and how perhaps 1 dog may not elicit an allergy in a person, but will in the next person (assuming both have a generic diagnosis of dog allergies). 

2. Allergen levels are lower in hypoallergenic dogs. See, I told you we would revisit this one earlier and that the AKC wasn't providing fully correct information. Studies have found NO consistent evidence that hypoallergenic breeds produce fewer allergens. In fact, some hypoallergic breeds have been shown to have equal or even high levels of certain allergen proteins in their hair and dander compared to non-hypoallergenic breeds. 

3. Homes with hypoallergenic dogs have fewer allergens. Again, research has shown that there is no difference in the levels of airborne or surface allergens. 

There are many more points to this article, but you get it. Here is the link to the article:

https://www.aaaai.org/tools-for-the-public/conditions-library/allergies/dog-myths

Ok so what, am I doomed and I or my kids can't have a dog? NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

Instead of relying on the false information regarding hypoallergenic dogs, read the above article from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. There are 5 major allergen proteins that you can be tested for to understand WHAT you are allergic to specifically. Then make an informed decision regarding which breed can fit well in your home :) . It can open up your options significantly and you don't need to pay extravagant prices for a "hypoallergenic" dog, or , Rescue One💗! 

I hope this helps and is well received. In no way, shape, or form is this meant to upset anyone. On the contrary, I am trying to open up the options you have in adopting your next Paw Family Member! 

Best Regards,

Ryan Meeks, the nerd

Proofread by Chelsea Paulsen